After years of following and experimenting with countless productivity systems, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: productivity is deeply personal. What transforms one person’s day doesn’t necessarily move the needle for another.
Recently, I’ve been testing a different approach with remarkable results, and I wanted to share it with my network. While it incorporates familiar elements like lists and habits, it offers a refreshing perspective that might just change how you view productivity altogether.
The Daily Good Choices System

Here’s how it works:
- Create your “Daily Good Choices” list. Write down activities that, when completed, give you a sense of accomplishment and make your day feel productive and fulfilling. Your list can be as short or as long as you want—5 items, 10, 15, or even 20. The length doesn’t matter, and it will naturally vary from person to person based on individual priorities and lifestyles.
- Make it visible. Write your list on paper and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily.
- Commit to doing just three items from the list daily. This is the game-changer. Each day, aim to complete at least three items from your list. That’s your baseline for a “good day.” Anything beyond that is a bonus.
My Personal Good Choices List
For context, here’s my current list (in no particular order):
- Rise early
- Enjoy a nutritious smoothie
- Spend quality time with my wife
- Connect meaningfully with my son
- Share special moments with my daughter
- Exercise (cardio, strength training, or yoga)
- Practice meditation or pranayama
- Advance my GenAI knowledge (learning, practicing, or creating content)
- Journal or write
- Network or connect with colleagues
- Consume nutritious meals (protein-rich, with plenty of vegetables and fruits)
- Finish dinner early
Note: My list deliberately excludes work-related items. This system focuses on personal well-being and development activities that complement your professional responsibilities. Work tasks belong in a separate productivity system, which we won’t address here.
Why This System Works

This approach succeeds where traditional productivity systems often fail for three key reasons:
- It eliminates the tyranny of rigid to-do lists. Instead of feeling defeated by unchecked boxes, you celebrate what you did accomplish.
- It embraces flexibility. Life is dynamic and unpredictable. This system acknowledges that reality while still keeping you focused on what matters.
- It reduces pressure while maintaining momentum. Trying to accomplish everything on your list every day is unrealistic and leads to burnout. Three meaningful achievements create sustainable progress.
Over time, I’ve noticed myself naturally gravitating toward these important activities. This is the power of priming at work—by consistently exposing yourself to your “Daily Good Choices,” you’re programming your brain to prioritize these actions. My success rate continues to improve as these choices become habitual rather than forced tasks.
I’d love to hear from you if you decide to try this approach:
- Have traditional productivity systems left you feeling overwhelmed rather than accomplished?
- How might focusing on just three good choices daily transform your relationship with productivity?
- What personal metrics would you use to measure the success of this system in your life?
Let’s start a conversation in the comments about reimagining productivity through the lens of choices rather than obligations!